Ed Straker
Member
- Joined
- Feb 12, 2003
- Messages
- 189
perspective
Put common sense in concealed-carry law
Gun control: Should we attach some strings?
By State Sen. Ken Chlouber
Sunday, February 16, 2003 - The foundation for any proposed legislation should be plain old common sense. With that as the guiding light, my job is to show up early, roll up my sleeves and do everything possible to make a better Colorado.
The question is not whether law-abiding citizens of Colorado should be allowed to carry concealed handguns. That law is on the books and doesn't even require the permit-holder to be law-abiding. The proper question is, by what process should these permits be issued? Today's law is a single sentence:
"A chief of police or sheriff may issue written permits to carry concealed weapons."
Now, that sentence doesn't pass anybody's common-sense test.
If you're pro-gun, pro-Second Amendment and in favor of individual freedom and individual responsibility, today's law is arbitrary and capricious. Its application is inconsistent and uncertain in different areas of the state. Some jurisdictions here issued thousands of these permits; others have issued very few.
If you are anti-gun and believe only law-enforcement officials should carry handguns, or that concealed handguns have no place in today's society, then today's law should give you much concern.
Consider all the people you know who you absolutely would not want to have this permit. Under today's law, they qualify.
Today's law doesn't require an extensive background check. Today's law requires no training. Under today's law, those permits are valid everywhere except where federal law prohibits. That exclusion basically includes federal buildings and airports. Yes, those permits are valid in every public school.
So you see, whatever your perspective, today's law is wrong. The overwhelming opinion among Colorado citizens is that our concealed-carry law should include solid, clear and consistent guidelines as to who can receive a permit. My bill outlines strict requirements. The applicant must be an honest, law-abiding citizen of Colorado, at least 21 years of age, and have no prior criminal record, no restraining orders and no drug or alcohol problems.
The applicant also must prove a high level of training by meeting certain requirements and standards.
After all of that, if the sheriff can document evidence that the applicant will be a danger to himself or others, the permit still will not be issued. These permits will be the same for all Coloradans.
Gov. Owens has demanded that concealed-carry permits shall not be valid in our public schools. He has demanded background checks. He has demanded quality training. My bill meets these requirements.
SB 24 has the support of the Colorado Sheriffs Association, the Colorado Police Protective Association, the National Rifle Association and the Colorado State Shooting Association. Without question, whatever your viewpoint, it's far better than today's law.
The pro-gun and anti-gun extremists will continue their very passionate, emotional battle. On another day, I might join that fight. But on this day, I'm looking for a common-sense way to fix a bad law. SB 24 is the right answer at the right time.
Sen. Ken Chlouber, R-Leadville, is the president pro tem of the state Senate. He represents District 4, which includes Lake, Douglas, Teller, El Paso and Park counties.
Put common sense in concealed-carry law
Gun control: Should we attach some strings?
By State Sen. Ken Chlouber
Sunday, February 16, 2003 - The foundation for any proposed legislation should be plain old common sense. With that as the guiding light, my job is to show up early, roll up my sleeves and do everything possible to make a better Colorado.
The question is not whether law-abiding citizens of Colorado should be allowed to carry concealed handguns. That law is on the books and doesn't even require the permit-holder to be law-abiding. The proper question is, by what process should these permits be issued? Today's law is a single sentence:
"A chief of police or sheriff may issue written permits to carry concealed weapons."
Now, that sentence doesn't pass anybody's common-sense test.
If you're pro-gun, pro-Second Amendment and in favor of individual freedom and individual responsibility, today's law is arbitrary and capricious. Its application is inconsistent and uncertain in different areas of the state. Some jurisdictions here issued thousands of these permits; others have issued very few.
If you are anti-gun and believe only law-enforcement officials should carry handguns, or that concealed handguns have no place in today's society, then today's law should give you much concern.
Consider all the people you know who you absolutely would not want to have this permit. Under today's law, they qualify.
Today's law doesn't require an extensive background check. Today's law requires no training. Under today's law, those permits are valid everywhere except where federal law prohibits. That exclusion basically includes federal buildings and airports. Yes, those permits are valid in every public school.
So you see, whatever your perspective, today's law is wrong. The overwhelming opinion among Colorado citizens is that our concealed-carry law should include solid, clear and consistent guidelines as to who can receive a permit. My bill outlines strict requirements. The applicant must be an honest, law-abiding citizen of Colorado, at least 21 years of age, and have no prior criminal record, no restraining orders and no drug or alcohol problems.
The applicant also must prove a high level of training by meeting certain requirements and standards.
After all of that, if the sheriff can document evidence that the applicant will be a danger to himself or others, the permit still will not be issued. These permits will be the same for all Coloradans.
Gov. Owens has demanded that concealed-carry permits shall not be valid in our public schools. He has demanded background checks. He has demanded quality training. My bill meets these requirements.
SB 24 has the support of the Colorado Sheriffs Association, the Colorado Police Protective Association, the National Rifle Association and the Colorado State Shooting Association. Without question, whatever your viewpoint, it's far better than today's law.
The pro-gun and anti-gun extremists will continue their very passionate, emotional battle. On another day, I might join that fight. But on this day, I'm looking for a common-sense way to fix a bad law. SB 24 is the right answer at the right time.
Sen. Ken Chlouber, R-Leadville, is the president pro tem of the state Senate. He represents District 4, which includes Lake, Douglas, Teller, El Paso and Park counties.